Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Casa de Campo to Host 2014 Dominican Republic Open Championship

Best resort in the Caribbean to challenge best golfers on famed Teeth of the Dog layout

(La Romana, Dominican Republic) - Casa de Campo, recognized as the No. 1 golf resort in the Caribbean with the finest golf courses in the region, will test the finest players on the PGA TOUR Latinoamerica during the 2014 Dominican Republic Open, May 12-18.

The fifth annual national championship is to be hosted by Casa de Campo on the resort’s world-renowned Teeth Of The Dog golf course, a Pete Dye masterpiece that is currently ranked No. 46 on GOLF Magazine’s list of the World’s Top 100 Courses. The 72-hole, stroke-play tournament will feature 144 players – from close to 20 countries, including the United States and Latin America – competing for both the individual title and winner’s share of the $150,000 total purse.

“This is the largest golf championship held in the country, which also has a positive impact on the growth of golf in the Dominican Republic,” said Peter Bonell, Chief Marketing Officer for Casa de Campo. “We hope the success of the Dominican Republic Open at Casa de Campo will help develop many great players in a country that has so many great golf courses.”

Tournament week will begin with an open qualifying round for unranked players on Monday, May 12, followed by a practice round on Tuesday and pro-am tournament on Wednesday. Championship play is Thursday through Sunday, May 15-18.

“We look forward to welcoming the finest golfers from the Dominican Republic and literally, from all over the Americas, and watching them take on the challenge of Teeth of the Dog,” said Gilles Gagnon, Director of Golf.

The 2013 Dominican Republic Open at Punta Cana was won by U.S. tour pro Ryan Blaum, of Miami, Fla., who finished with a 279 total, 9 under par, which was two shots ahead of runner-up Maximiliano Godoy of Argentina. Blaum earned $27,000 for his first victory on the PGA TOUR Latinoamerica. Five players from the Dominican Republic qualified to play in the championship.

The PGA TOUR Latinoamerica is currently in its second season, which wraps up in December. The tour has developed into a positive learning experience for players in search of both a playing opportunity, as well as a way to improve as a tour professional.